07/06/2026
🚨 Update: BAIC may be a national scam🚨We previously reached out to BAIC Automobile SA asking for clarification on why the company is importing fully assembled vehicles, despite South African taxpayers investing R3.85 billion in their plant through the Industrial Development Corporation to stimulate job creation locally. Though there has been no response from the tagged parties, recent revelations suggest that this practice may be detrimental to South African job growth and exploits the firm's strategic position in the Industrial Development Zone to bypass import duties designed to protect our local vehicle manufacturing industry.BAIC Automobile SA categorizes its vehicles into three production classifications: 1. DKD Units: These are vehicles imported from China 98% assembled, often only needing minor fittings like spare wheels and floor mats. 2. SKD Units: These vehicles have undergone full body and paint shop processes but require assembly of interior trims and drivetrain components.3. CKD Units: These vehicles are actually produced at the South African plant, beginning in the Bodyshop and advancing through the Paint Shop to the Assembly Shop.We have emails suggesting that vehicles reportedly gifted to Ministers Maropeni and former minister Tolashe were, in fact, DKD units, as floor mats were sourced from vehicles at the Motorvia depot, the company’s transport and logistics partner.This raises serious concerns about BAIC's commitment to local production and job creation. We urge all stakeholders involved to address these issues promptly and transparently.
